Pilaw with Mustard and Coriander Seeds

A simple dish can have very many pleasures. Easy and quick to prepare and when a few very specific spices are added to enhance the taste the simplicity of the dish turns into something exquisite.

Soeren was away at his grandparents and I was in the mood for something hot. OK - Tom was right there sitting on the couch and he is HOT! But I was thinking of something edible. OK - Tom is so hot that I could eat him. Errrr! I guess I better move on quickly before this turns into and "X" rated post.

I was actually thinking of curry. Indian tasting hot curry. So I decided on something so delectable that when you read the post you'll start drooling. But you'll have to wait on that as I'll be covering the curry in another post - LOL!

This post is about the rice I served with the curry. I did not want plain rice and was in no mood to make a lavish pilaf (pilaw) type of dish. I was in the mood to experiment again though and went in search of ingredients.

I found a small bag of mustard seeds in my spice cabinet, still sealed. I was scratching my head as to how this ended up here. I had never used mustard seeds in any of my dishes.

Mustard powder - yes. Mustard - yes. Mustard seeds - never.

I must have bought it in some kind of fantasy of making some dish that never came to be. That is when it struck me that Barbara had asked us to go Back to School and research a spice never used before. When I initially read the theme I was so excited. I need any excuse to start experimenting again and this was the perfect opportunity. I love researching ingredients, spices, herbs and such events are always a true joy to me. That, and the fact I love parties LOL!

Off I went "Back to School" and Googled my way through everything I could find on mustard seeds. The more I read the more I was amazed at what power lies behind these little seeds.

Mustard Seeds:Mustard seeds originate from the Brassica foods found in the cruciferous plant family. They are a very good source of selenium, a nutrient that can help to reduce asthma. It also can help reduce certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, mustard seeds are also a good source of magnesium which also helps against asthma. The magnesium found in mustard seeds also helps lower high blood pressure, restore normal sleep patterns in women suffering with the symptoms of menopause, reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

Mustard seeds also qualify as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as a good source of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein, niacin and dietary fiber.

HistoryMustard seeds are mentioned in Sanskrit writings that date back to 5,000 years. They can be traced to different areas of Europe and Asia. There are three different mustard seed varieties. The white variety originates from the Mediterranean regions, the brown from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, and the black from the Middle East.

Although the actual seeds were used in ancient Greece cuisine, it was the Romans who experimented with making a paste out of them. This is thought to be the ancestor of our modern day mustard condiment.

Mustard seeds belong to the most popular spices traded in the world today. As it grows well in temperate climates, the areas that produce the greatest amount of mustard seeds currently include Hungary, Great Britain, India, Canada and the United States.

Selecting and StoringI would recommend exploring you local spice stores around your areas. Even though such spices are widely available in supermarkets, the spices and herbs available in spice stores are often of a better quality and freshness compared to those available in the supermarkets. Try selecting organically grown mustard seeds since this will give you more assurance that the spice has not been irradiated.

Mustard seeds should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place.

I went to work with this knowledge of creating a very aromatic and tasty rice dish.

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Now this really spiced up our evening! The rice was fluffy and by frying it in the butter with the seeds it took on a completely different taste. The seeds released their aromas and fragrance, harmonizing with the rice perfectly.I would recommend this to anyone who likes it spicy but not the "hot" kind of spicy from chilies. The mustard seeds really adds a pizzaz incomparable with other tastes I have had in the past.

LOL! Meeta, you are too funny. I just tried making somrthing similar the other day (same ingredients, but added onions later in my dish, not G's). We also made "curry" - Chicken Tikka Masala, aka Butter Chicken. What type did you make?

Wonderful info on mustard seeds. I only learned of them recently when I started cooking and needed them for a recipe. I really like them. They enhance the flavor of the food very much. Your rice looks delicious! I'm going to have to try making it!

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hello, I am Meeta a freelance food photographer, stylist and writer. After living around the globe I have found my home in the culturally rich city of Weimar, Germany. My life is a roller coaster ride and everyday I look forward to a new adventure. I enjoy preparing multi-cultural home cooked meals with fresh organic ingredients. What's for lunch, Honey? is my award winning food blog where I combine my love for food with my love for photography and styling...